You have idea, don’t know whether to startup?

One of the most common queries I get from people is, whether they should go ahead with an idea or not? Such as, if an idea like UrbanClap will work in small Indian towns? Whether they should get a hardware manufactured from China? Should they launch a blog in regional languages with revenue model on paid ads? How about a learning app better than BYJU’s, etc. ?

I feel honoured and happy when people share their thoughts with me.

People have ideas. They research on it. They want to do cool things apart from what a routine life offers. They want to go ahead with something that will be a sure shot success in the market. So, when they discuss their idea with me, I notice that most of them have already done their groundwork. They are seeking validation or trying to play safe, so that they’re ensured of taking the right step.

I am going to tell you what I tell them. If you have an idea for startup and are unsure of whether to do it or not, then ask yourself these questions.

As founder, are you truly passionate about the idea? Are you deeply interested in doing it as the only thing ever in their life? Will you be doing it if this was the last day of your life?

Because more than idea, this 1 thing makes a startup successful – PASSION.

We all have limited time on earth. The least we can do is to do something with a lot of passion. It’s easy to start a business, challenge is to maintain it. Every business has challenges and only those survive where founders want to do it come what may. It helps if the person has some area of expertise in the same.

Hold on.

Just because you like something, doesn’t mean that’s going to be enough. There are a few other aspects you must take care of, apart from profitability and user demand. You must take some steps to increase your chances of startup success.

Which steps you must take? Let me explain them with an example. These days, on-demand apps are popular, such as Uber and Upwork. We will take the case of one such application called UrbanClap. It’s an app for availing services of local professionals, currently in big cities of India and UAE. Suppose you’re a first-time entrepreneur who wants to get a similar app made, targeting small towns in your country.

We’ll begin by doing some research on UrbanClap, on aspects apart from the app. A google search reveals the founders felt it was a pain point they wanted to personally solve. It exhibits their passion. That’s exactly what we were talking about earlier.

Next we’ll figure out profiles of people behind it. Two of the founders are from IIT and they have received funding from several ventures (data is in public domain). A VC from one of those firms once told my friend that they accept only those applications where founder is an IIT graduate. Therefore, if you need funding of their scale, then your education credentials can matter.

Now, let’s get down to making the app. Write down your requirements. Make the blueprint ready. If you can’t make it yourself then look for a tech co-founder or CTO. You can also outsource development to a startup studio. Make sure your USP’s are adequately highlighted. Getting the app made is not the difficult part, the actual complexities come later.

Once your app is done, comes the challenge of getting users and vendors on board. For getting vendors you will have to work with unorganised sector, like cleaners and helpers, and get them to use your platform. Many of them won’t be too educated, so they won’t be highly adept at using a smartphone. Communication skills won’t always be refined enough. There’ll have to be a lot of convincing to make them align with your vision, not to mention the contracts part and ensuring they do quality work. Some good people who already have lots of work will take time to come on your platform. Of course, you will have to do some background check for anyone who gets associated. Managing finances and compliance is another thing to be taken care of.

And now, let’s come to the users part. Initially they will have to be given some services for free, so that they get used to your platform, for which a certain cash balance is required. Also, it needs marketing budget to ensure unknown people get to know about it and give it a try. Your brand’s advantages must be conveyed to the target audience. You can run Facebook ads yourself, or hire freelancers for a short time. To have so many users on the system and handle their complaints , like the zomato delivery boy eating food of his customers , this is one more challenge. A google search reveals story of a user who complained to UrbanClap founder over AC service issues.

Once your product is out in the market, some people will have issues with your vendors, for which they’ll hold you accountable. You, the founder, will be expected to make every customer happy. Then you’ll have to ensure that vendors stay loyal to your platform, instead of giving their personal visiting card to your customers. Then there’ll be case of disruptive competition, along with several unforeseen challenges. Are you truly passionate about solving the problem you believe in? If yes then you’ll be able to handle most of the unexpected issues that can arise in startups.

Idea alone doesn’t make things successful. Execution will require many more times the effort. Build something you want to make, release in market, take feedback, improve and repeat the cycle. You need not be the first player, if someone has done it already then find out what is missing there. Then make an application with useful features which others don’t have. Or, simply focus on giving better customer service.

If you’re truly enjoying what you’re doing, then it doesn’t seem like work. So, even if you have 50 startup ideas in mind, pick the one you’re most passionate about. And if nothing appeals to you by heart, then keep looking for it, one day it’ll come to you.

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